The Sari Diaries- Sunday 6/30/19

Saturday, June 29 by Sari Hirsch

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

I know it seems impossible, but I swear, I love this place more and more every day! Today’s Cabin Day may have been the best one ever…it was the perfect balance of free-play and structure, and the perfect balance of cabin bonding and inter-age-group fun. So here it is- a recap of our day at #TheRanch2019 that was one for the books…

First in line this morning for breakfast were Charlie I and Naomi R. After their first CRC Sunday Morning Breakfast experience last week, they made sure to get to the lodge bright and early this morning :). After breakfast, we began sign-ups for the second two weeks. The Adler Lodge was filled with excitement as campers were eager to reset their schedules- some with new activities and some with a schedule that is very similar to their first two weeks. Outside the lodge, campers & their counselors were all around camp loving life. I found Lucky-X in Arts & Crafts making slime- it was pretty sweet. I learned that the cabin of Timber Walk does cabin talent shows throughout the summer and they did an extra special show this morning. And Boots was practicing their lip sync to Starships. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak and I would say they have a pretty good chance of taking home first place for Colt Village next week.

This afternoon, Program Director Sara Moss, led the camp in our first Olympic Games. As she explained on the podcast last night, each camper was put on one of eight teams (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white and black). After lunch today, everyone gathered at the Center Fire Circle dressed from head to toe in their team colors. Teams traveled around camp together playing other teams in gaga ball, dodge ball, flag football and softball. Campers were engaged in the games, enthusiastically cheered on their teammates and were showing off their athletic talents. Annie M, Lauren G, Taylor G and Hailey W were all-stars on the dodgeball court and Maddie K crushed it on the football field. It was fun to see campers thriving in sports that we don’t play every day…we definitely have some talented athletes at CRC this summer. While walking around camp, I had the opportunity to witness campers interacting as teammates and competitors- there was incredible sportsmanship, campers were stepping outside of their comfort zones and there were lots with high fives and “good jobs” going around. It was a feel-good program for the whole camp that will continue each Sunday throughout the summer. A big congrats to the green team who is currently in the lead!

After a pizza dinner, campers got ready for Tan & White Capture the Flag. Before everyone was called to the Center Fire Circle, a big game of gaga formed. I decided to try it out for the first time, and it was AWESOME! Campers and staff of all ages joined in the sand filled pit to play this dodgeball-like game. We all had a blast and I can’t wait to get back out there soon.

And then Tan & White Capture the Flag began! Campers headed to the North and South Fields decked in their Tan & White gear, and ready for the intensity that this game brings. Eden S was the first to score capturing the flag for the White Team, and bringing it across the center line of camp. After the teams switched fields, Simone C scored for the Tan Team tying the game at one to one. After a battle back and forth, Lily K scored the final point of the game to lead the White Team to victory. It was a fantastic end to a day that really exceeded all expectations!

I think that’s all for now…this day was nothing short of magnificent and I am just happy that I got to be a part of it. A few extra shout-outs to Katie M, Julia H, Laney K, Sophie B and Raleigh D for their impressive talents at gaga, softball and basketball. Throughout the day, I got to watch all of these girls thriving on the courts/fields- it was pretty cool! Now it’s bedtime…we need some rest to prep for all of the amazingness that tomorrow will inevitably bring. Thanks for reading- have a good night!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari